Mariton: Tree Growth or Fungus?

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photo by Carole Mebus.

Bearded Tooth Mushroom

On last week’s Nature Walk we found this interesting growth on a Sassafras Tree. No one was exactly sure what it was, but we assumed it could be some kind of fungus.  I sent Carole’s photo to Marion (Martie) Kyde, who I consider to be an expert.  She confirmed that it was indeed a Bearded Tooth, or Hedgehog Mushroom.  The scientific name is Hericium erinaceus. It is a tooth fungus, which differs from gill mushrooms (like Amanitas) or pore mushrooms (like Boletes).  I am glad I know what it is , but it was just so interesting to find it on one of the Nature Walks.